Tracy Beck, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology FoundationOctober 8, 2019

Funding Resources for Assistive Technology

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Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)

• Information and Assistance (funding resources and vendors)

• Financial Education (www.studymoney.us)

• Loan Programs (microlending)

Mini-Loan ($100 to $2,000) at 0%)

Low-Interest ($2,001 to $60,000 at 3.75%)

(Guaranteed, low-interest up to $35,000)

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PATF makes every effort to ensure that materials are accessible, including for non-English speakers.

Information and Assistance

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Funding Your Assistive Technology

• What Is Assistive Technology?

• Choosing My Assistive Technology

• Developing a Successful Funding Strategy

• Home and Community-Based Waiver Programs

• Funding Resource List

• Saving for Assistive Technology: ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts

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Cents & Sensibility

• Wants & Needs

• Money Mapping (Budgeting)

Income (earned and unearned; state and federal resources)

• Financial Relationships (Banks and Credit Unions)

• Building Positive Credit

Credit Scores and Credit Reports

• Risk Management

Insurance and protection against ID theft

• Adult Decision-Making

Guardianship, Representative Payee, Power of Attorney

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Categories of Assistive Technology

• Durable medical equipment (DME)

• Specialized medical equipment and supplies

• Vehicle modifications

• Home adaptations

• AT Services

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Examples of DME

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Vehicle Adaptations

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Home Adaptations

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Home Adaptations

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Examples of Assistive Technology

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What Are Examples of AT Services?

• Evaluation

• Selection

• Designing

• Construction

• Training

• Repair

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Mini-Loan Program

Mini-Loan Program: $100 to $2,000 at 0% interest. $20/month minimum payment.

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Mini-Loan Example

Mr. Drake applied to PATF for a $1,200 loan for hearing aids.

Mr. Drake received information about PATF from Affordable Care, his

hearing aid vendor. He has poor credit because of unpaid medical

collection accounts. PATF determined he had the ability to repay a

loan.

Result

• PATF provided a loan for $1,200

• Monthly loan payment: $33.33

• Repayment term: 36 months

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➢ Battery for a reused scooter ($480). Loan = $20 / month for 24 months

➢ Transfer and repair of a stair glide ($840). Loan = $23/ month for 36 months

➢ Cushion & battery for a reused power wheelchair ($714). Loan = $20/ month for 36 months

➢ Transfer and repair of outside porch lift ($1,000).Loan = $28 / month for 36 months

Examples of PATF Funding for Reused Equipment

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Low-Interest Loan Program

Low-Interest Loan Program ($2,000 and above)

Non-Guaranteed (up to $60,000 at 3.75%)

Guaranteed (up to $35,000 at 3.75%)

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William has Muscular Dystrophy and is a wheelchair user. He came to

PATF for a low-interest loan for home adaptations. William lives in his

own home.

Result

• The barrier-free shower and ramp into and out of William’s home was

paid for by his waiver services.

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid) paid for the hospital bed and Hoyer lift.

• William received a low-interest loan for $4,500 for a stair glide to the

second floor. (William’s bedroom and bathroom are on the first floor

of his home).

Monthly Loan Payments: $101.10

Repayment Terms: 4 years

PATF Low-Interest Loan Example

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PATF Low-Interest Loan

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PATF Low-Interest Loan

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Unusual Requests

Fence Driving lessons

Generator Snowplow for tractor

Insurance co-pay Driveway

Eyeglasses Color identifier

Adapted sports equipment Dentures

Skid loader with hand controls Soundproof windows

Action track chair

Window treatments

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For More Information…

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

1004 West 9th Avenue

1st Floor

King of Prussia, PA 19406

888-744-1938

484-674-0510 FAX

www.patf.us

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